Awesome Wave [Import]

alt-J | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2012)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B007RX32XK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (234 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,907 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Intro

2. (Interlude 1)

3. Tessellate

4. Breezeblocks

5. (Interlude 2)

6. Something Good

7. Dissolve Me

8. Matilda

9. Ms

10. Fitzpleasure

11. (Interlude 3)

12. Bloodflood

13. Taro

14. Hand-Made

Editorial Reviews

2012 album from the hotly tipped UK outfit, who have a totally unique musical vision. Pronounced alt-J, the delta sign is created when you hold down the alt key on your computer keyboard and punch `J' on a Mac computer. The symbol has a deeper meaning for the band, as guitarist/bassist Gwil Sainsbury notes, in mathematical equations it's used to show change, and the band's relatively new name came at a turning point in their lives.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What An Awesome Wave June 5, 2012

By Christopher Silbernagel

Format:Audio CD

Alt-J (triangle/increment on a Mac) could be categorized as indie, but that doesn't seem fair. The experimental sound that this quartet created for "An Awesome Wave" is smooth and satisfying but not dominating to ward off the normal crowd. Expansive instrumentation and distinctive vocals will envelop you. From the opening track with use of piano and synthesizer you may try to find familiarity, but the following short a cappella intermission will throw that directly out the window.

Vocal harmonies can be heard throughout the album to accompany some brilliant, albeit simple, guitar work. Sometimes we can feel that intricate instrumentation is needed to build a unique sound, but some artists have shown us differently and this is a prime example. However, I do not want to downplay the ingenious work on this album. You will be stunned.

"An Awesome Wave" is easily one of the best albums of the year. What really sucked me in was the way everything flowed incredibly well from track to track--each so different and refreshing that you won't find yourself skipping back and forth to your favorites the first few times through.

34 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning July 28, 2012

By Anisicoria

Format:Audio CD

This album is stunningly, hauntingly beautiful. I find myself in the somewhat unfamiliar position of being *that* gal... The one so excited about some band you never heard of.

Give this album a listen. I haven't been so affected by an album in years. Who cares what the genre is... Does it even have one? The harmonic complexities tug at my soul, and each song is catchy, makes you want to move, but is also haunting and bittersweet.

Love.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Ten Album of the Year! September 2, 2012

By Eric Slyter

Format:Audio CD

Rarely do I hear something that sounds so completely fresh and groovy at the same time. An Awesome Wave finds this English band synthesizing elements of art rock, jam band, and pop music in a way that I believe had yet to be done. This band isn't for everyone, for sure. But I think it will work for A LOT of people. I spend most of my free time making, listening to, and discovering new music and this album will definitely find a place in my top ten albums of 2012 list as well as my best albums of all time list.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting music, but it feels like I am listening to Adam Sandler.. February 15, 2013

By Bryson

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

I actually bought this album because of all the 5 star reviews and the low price so I thought, what the heck. It is really great music and it is starting to grow on me. It is one of those albums that I can listen to repeatedly and it is great all purpose mood music. It isn't too harsh or loud. It is however distractingly bizarre so I can't give it 5 stars. The combination of nonsensical lyrics and the way the vocalist performs at times actually pulls me out from enjoying it as much as I could be. It feels like someone is trying to imitate Adam Sandler singing with that goofy voice that he does.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Memerizing January 19, 2013

By Jonathan M. Falk

Format:MP3 Music

Just the drums and synths alone make this album worth it, everything else is a happy bonus, from the odd vocals to the noodly guitar lines you are instantly drawn in and kept busy for the length if the album.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When is their next album? I can't wait! November 18, 2012

By nananana

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

I knew I had to get this album! Alt-J was introduced to me by a great Seattle radio station called KEXP. When "Taro" came across the airwaves, I was all too ready for something new. For the most part I was impressed with the dynamic lyricism and unusual vocals--I just couldn't get them out of my head! Alt-J literally transformed a gory war-time story into a tragic, poignant love story :) If you take the trouble to seek out the context of some of their other songs, you'll see their penchant for putting that unique spin on things, and I LOVE IT! The only thing I wish I'd done before purchasing the album was to also purchase a great set of headphones so I could listen to every detail of their multi-layered musicality. So, listen to this album for the first time with a good sound system, or you might miss something amazing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting album, love at first listen October 31, 2012

By Lindsay Dawn

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've had this album on repeat. I bought it after hearing Fitzpleasure. Although that's still my favorite song, the rest of the album is very good. It's atmospheric yet kick*ss, and it almost makes you feel like you're in a movie.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sold me in the first 30 seconds May 30, 2013

By Christopher Howk

Format:Audio CD

There is hope for good music! The crap on the radio will never be as good as this. So addicting!